What is your A1C?
Your A1C, also called HbA1c, is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It reflects how much glucose has attached to your red blood cells, giving a more complete picture than a single blood sugar reading. Doctors use the A1C test to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and to monitor how well blood sugar is being controlled in people already diagnosed. Unlike daily finger-prick tests, A1C doesn’t show short-term spikes or drops—it shows the overall trend, which makes it a key marker for long-term health.
How to interpret A1C results
A normal A1C is below 5.7%. If your A1C falls between 5.7% and 6.4%, that’s considered prediabetes—a warning sign that your body is struggling to manage blood sugar. An A1C of 6.5% or higher usually means type 2 diabetes. The higher the number, the greater the risk of serious complications like heart disease, nerve damage, or kidney issues. But the test isn’t just about diagnosis—if you’re already diabetic, your goal is typically to keep your A1C below 7%, though your doctor might set a different target based on your health. If your A1C is high, it’s not the end—it’s a wake-up call. Diet, exercise, medication, and consistent monitoring can help bring it down and protect your long-term health.